Undergraduate Programs of Study

The Department of Communication offers two undergraduate degrees: A B.S. in Communication and a B.A. in Communication Studies. The new B.A. in Communication Studies differs from the Department of Communication’s
existing B.S. in Communication in that the B.S. focuses on preparing students
for mass media jobs in journalism, advertising, public relations and production, while the
B.A. focuses on interpersonal and organizational communication within a wide
variety of businesses.

Also offered are three minors: Communication Studies, Mass Communication, and Political Campaigning and Advocacy. We are committed to making courses as accessible as possible. As a result, we offer courses in a variety of formats: traditional face-to-face lecture, online distance learning, and hybrid. However, please note that some courses do not have a distance-learning option and must be done in a traditional face-to-face format.

Bachelor of Science in Communication

All B.S. in Communication majors are required to specify an area of study within the degree. Currently there are three areas from which students may choose: Advertising, Multimedia Journalism & Production, and Public Relations. Also, B.S. in Communication majors must complete a minimum of 72 hours outside of journalism and mass communication courses, and B.S. in Communication majors can take no more than 6 credit hours for internships. The B.S. in Communication is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in
Journalism and Mass Communications.

Advertising

The Advertising concentration provides students with the theoretical concepts and practices of the advertising profession, including the research and development of creative strategies underlying ad development and execution in integrated advertising campaigns using a variety of media.

Multimedia Journalism & Production

The Multimedia Journalism & Production concentration stresses reporting and storytelling skills in the fast-changing professional practices of journalism and media production. The concentration emphasizes content production for print, broadcast, cable, and online/interactive/multimedia dissemination. The program acquaints students with the structure and operations of news media organizations and the legal and ethical issues associated with mass media.

Public Relations

The Public Relations concentration acquaints students with theoretical concepts and practices of the public relations profession. Through research, strategic planning, and application of a wide range of communication skills, public relations professionals guide institutions in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external publics including the larger society.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

The
B. A. in communication studies prepares students to be competent communicators
in their personal, civic and professional roles by fostering their abilities to
think critically, to express and advocate ideas effectively, and to understand
and appreciate the diversity of human communicative practices. Through a
dynamic and diverse curriculum that spans interpersonal, mediated, and
organizational communication, students develop communication skills aimed at
enhancing their personal, professional, and public lives. The B.A. in
communication studies prepares aspirants for a variety of careers in
business and professional occupations as well as for graduate programs in
communication, law or the social sciences. Occupations such as organizational trainer, sales representative, buyer and government program coordinator are options for program graduates.